According to Heyman, the deal is believed to be worth about $27 million over three years and includes a very reachable bonus that could bring the total to $30 million.

The Padres' move to sign Quentin is something of a surprise, as he was seen as a prime trade candidate this month. The signing is a big step for the Padres, a low-revenue team that's long been unable to sign stars to multiyear deals due to finances.

Padres baseball people overcame the unsettled ownership situation by getting approval for money for the new deal from both the current and presumptive incoming ownership groups, CBSSports.com reported this week. The Padres viewed Michael Cuddyer, Edwin Encarnacion and Josh Willingham as fair comps for Quentin. All received three-year deals.

Quentin had been viewed as perhaps the most accomplished middle-of-the-order hitter on the trading block, and several teams had inquired about him, including the Reds, Indians, Pirates, Giants and many others. The market for power hitters is extremely thin right now, but could open up if the Phillies, Brewers and Marlins decide to become sellers (Hunter Pence, Aramis Ramirez, Corey Hart and Hanley Ramirez are players who could be dealt in that event).

Quentin made an immediate impact upon being activated by the Padres this year following his recovery from offseason knee surgery and has nine homers, 22 RBI and a .273 batting average. He was acquired by San Diego last winter for two minor leaguers.